Aston Villa have announced the signing of Kieran Richardson from relegated Fulham. The 29-year-old, who can play on the left side of defence or midfield, has agreed a two-year contract at Villa Park with a further year’s option.

Richardson has won eight senior England caps, scoring two goals, with his last appearance for his country coming in 2006.

Richardson acknowledged his excitement about finally joining Villa – 15 years after he might have been signed as an academy player. After being reunited with Gordon Cowans, the former Villa player who continues to coach their under-21 development squad, he revealed how close he came to being a Villa youth player at 14.

“The last time I was here I was 14 years old when I was unsigned and the main building here at Bodymoor wasn’t here at that time,” Richardson recalled. “It was a small building then in the other corner of the training ground. The place now, of course, has changed a lot. It’s really magnificent and I’m delighted to be here.

“It’s definitely up there with the best training grounds I’ve been to. I’ve been able to catch up with Gordon and that was nice. He’s a legend here and it just brought back all the memories.

“Villa Park itself has always been my favourite stadium out of all of the stadiums in which I’ve played in the Premier League. It’s got great atmosphere, the fans are magnificent and I’m really looking forward to playing here. I know I’m going to love it.”

Paul Lambert believes that Richardson’s pace, versatility and experience will be a welcome addition to the squad.

“Kieran will complement many of the players here well with what he brings,” said the Villa manager. “He will add pace, a great deal of experience and he knows the Barclays Premier League. He’s played a lot of games for a lad who has yet to turn 30.

“The grounding he gained at Manchester United has stood him in good stead and he knows what it is to compete in this league and to win things and that’s important. I’m delighted he’s joined us and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Richardson will be reunited with assistant manager Roy Keane, who brought him to Sunderland while he was manager at the Stadium of Light.

“Roy is top-drawer, outstanding as a player and excellent at man-management. He tells you how it is which is good for players and I’m delighted to be working with him again,” Richardson added.

“I’m looking forward to working with the manager, too. He wants to play attacking football, he wants the team going forward and that’s great. I haven’t worked with him before, so I’m excited to start working with him now.”